What materials primarily formed the terrestrial planets in the hotter inner region of the disk?
Answer
Rock and metal silicates
The temperature gradient within the protoplanetary disk dictated where different types of material could condense into solid form. In the inner regions, close to the intensely hot protosun, temperatures were too high for substances with low melting points to remain solid. Only materials capable of withstanding extreme heat could condense into building blocks. Consequently, the inner disk allowed for the condensation of refractory materials, primarily rock, silicates, and metals. These solid particles then accreted over time to form the small, dense, rocky terrestrial planets, such as Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
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